Seahawks Dominate Panthers 27-10 Behind Charbonnet's Breakout Performance

The Seattle Seahawks approached their Week 17 clash against the Carolina Panthers with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate their championship potential. Seattle entered the contest boasting an impressive 12-3 record and had already secured the top seed in the NFC. In contrast, Carolina, with a record of 8-7, was in dire need of a victory to keep their unexpected playoff aspirations alive.

First Quarter: Defense Sets the Tone

Both teams commenced the game carefully, engaged in a defensive stalemate. The Seahawks were the first to break through when Jason Myers successfully kicked a 48-yard field goal following a calculated offensive drive. Sam Darnold consistently targeted his preferred receiver, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who made several key receptions, including a pivotal 13-yard gain that sustained the drive. The quarter concluded with Seattle holding a slender 3-0 lead.

Second Quarter: Turnovers Change Everything

The second quarter proved to be a turning point in the game when Carolina's defense forced a fumble from Darnold deep within Seattle territory. The Panthers quickly took advantage of this opportunity, as Rico Dowdle powered through the Seahawks' defense for critical yardage. Subsequently, Ryan Fitzgerald successfully kicked a 35-yard field goal, bringing the game to a 3-3 tie.

Seattle made an effort to respond before halftime, but the Panthers' defense displayed resilience once again. Nevertheless, Carolina was unable to capitalize on their momentum, and both teams retreated to their locker rooms with the score tied.

Third Quarter: Charbonnet Takes Over

The second half was fully dominated by Seattle's backup running back, Zach Charbonnet. Following an interception made by a Seahawks defender that provided Seattle with favorable field position, Charbonnet initiated a remarkable performance. The second-year player from UCLA scored his first touchdown of the season by pushing through from two yards out, concluding a powerful goal-line stand.

Shortly thereafter, after another turnover by Carolina, Charbonnet struck again. This time, he executed a 29-yard run, setting the stage for another scoring opportunity. The Seahawks further extended their lead when Darnold connected with a receiver in the end zone for a 17-yard touchdown, pushing the score to 17-3.

Carolina's difficulties persisted as Bryce Young threw his second interception of the game, completely halting any offensive progress the Panthers had managed to build.

Fourth Quarter: Seattle Pulls Away

Young demonstrated his dual-threat capability early in the final quarter by scrambling for a 10-yard touchdown, reducing the deficit to 17-10. This rushing touchdown instilled hope among Panthers fans for a potential comeback.

However, Charbonnet had other intentions. The versatile running back continued to dominate the field, consistently gaining substantial yardage and wearing down the Carolina defense. Smith-Njigba remained Darnold's most dependable target, securing 9 receptions for 72 yards and continually advancing the chains.

Charbonnet clinched the victory with his second rushing touchdown of the game, concluding with an impressive total of 110 rushing yards on 18 carries. His breakout performance provided a perfect complement to Kenneth Walker III, yielding a formidable one-two punch in Seattle's backfield.

Looking Ahead

This commanding 27-10 victory elevated Seattle's record to 13-3, extending their winning streak to six games as they prepare to enter the playoffs as the NFC's top seed. Charbonnet's emergence as a legitimate offensive weapon adds significant firepower to the Seahawks' championship aspirations.

For Carolina, the loss adjusted their record to 8-8, effectively extinguishing their playoff hopes despite a promising late-season surge alongside Young's developing skills. The Panthers demonstrated resilience but were unable to overcome Seattle's well-rounded offense and opportunistic defense.

Seattle will enjoy a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs, while Carolina heads into the offseason with optimism regarding Young's progress and the potential of their young roster for 2026.